Center for Advising & Retention

The Center for Advising & Retention (CAR) provides academic success advocacy services, including academic advising, course selection, degree plan counseling, and monitoring and intervention, Academic Improvement Plans and transfer/transcript evaluation. The CAR helps students learn to “drive” their academic success by teaching them to take control of all decisions concerning their academic experience. Additionally, the advisors advocate for students with faculty.

CAR houses five academic advisors who assist freshmen; however, undeclared sophomores and upperclassmen are assisted when necessary. During the freshman year, advisors are a student’s most important connection to the university. Advisors, through bi-weekly meetings with students, provide stability and help them to understand that pursing a higher education is a serious responsibility. The transition from high school to college can sometimes be difficult and advisors are the first resource of support beyond the classroom.

Florida Memorial uses an “Intrusive Advising” model. Intrusive advising is a proactive strategy that allows advisors to build ongoing relationships with students. Advisors establish close bonds with students through face-to-face contacts, instruction in University 101 and technology. In order to build a strong working relationship each student should:

Declare a major in the first semester and connect with that school and/or department.

New students benefit from guidance. The First Year Experience is primarily one of transition and adjustment. Advisors are advocates who represent a key resource for new students. It is important that students take the initiative to build a rapport with their advisors. However, freshman students should also begin building relationships with faculty in their chosen majors. Students may contact the CAR office. The CAR is located in the Room 111 of Sarah A. Blocker Hall.

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ACCREDITATION: Florida Memorial University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Florida Memorial University.